If you feel stressed out about the prospect of finding a job in the near future, then you certainly are not alone. Between building your resume, planning for applications and actually finding those applications, there is a lot to prepare for.
In fact, many people who are unemployed or looking to move from one job to another try to put in full-time hours working on their job search. If you are truly dedicated to spending all of your time looking for a job, then one will surely come your way. However, there are ways to make that search easier.
One of the first things that you can do to prepare for your job search is to start meticulously documenting things from the beginning of the search. This can be done in many forms, but one preferred method is to make a physical job search plan.
Why & How You Might Consider Making a Job Search Plan
Job search plans provide job seekers with a much less stressful search experience than they might otherwise face. This is mostly due to the fact that they can allow you to reference applications that you have already submitted, see when you are expected to follow up those applications with calls or interviews and even organize all of your notes that you have made about different employers. Without keeping diligent records and notes of your job search, there is often an increased likelihood of forgetting which positions you have already applied for, when you should follow up and what you should say to supplement your resume and cover letter.
There are a few different ways that you can plan out your job search ahead of time, in order to make the actual searching process easier. One of the easiest methods of doing this is keeping a notebook that contains information on applications and what you have done regarding them.
However, other ways that could be more convenient include making spreadsheets on a computer or using job search organization apps that can include reminders and alarms to do certain things. Whichever method you choose to organize your search, remember to keep things as simple as you can. Overcomplicating your documentation process can get confusing and turn you away from continuing to use it during your search.
The Best Job Search Documentation Tips
Starting to plan for your job search requires some essential factors to keep in mind, in order to make the most of your time and effort. Some of the best tips for documenting your job search are below:
Do plenty of research and take notes. Probably the most important feature of a good job search plan is researching the field that you are trying to find a job in. Research will make finding those opportunities much easier. Find out how many jobs are available for the specific industry that you want a job in and how often those kinds of jobs arise. You can get this information from the internet, but an even better method is to peruse your contacts list to try and talk to members of your network that are in the industry. This kind of networking not only gives you up-to-date industry knowledge, but it could lead to opportunities that can arise from your network.
Plan out your job search day just as well as you plan out the search itself. It is great to have lots of job application plans, but when are you going to find them, apply for them and follow them up? You should devote much of your day to finding a job as you can afford. If you are completely unemployed, then your job search should be the same as if you would be working full-time.
Your job search time each day should be at least a few purposeful hours that you will spend only on developing your resume, doing your research and applying for positions. The more work you put into your search, the higher likelihood that you will get an interview. Some days may be devoted to finding positions online, while others focus on writing cover letters and or sending follow-ups.
Set goals for yourself and try to fulfill them. A fairly relatable sentiment among a lot of job seekers is that it can be hard to know how many applications to send out. But in terms of finding a job that you will enjoy, no amount of applications is too many.
While there is not enough time in the day to apply for every single job opening, you should establish an idea in your head (and even on paper) of how many applications you want to send out every day. Then, find a way to reward yourself whenever you meet a goal. This is a kind of productive “game” that can really help you to stay on top of your applications.
Be ready to change your goals at a moment’s notice or adjust them accordingly. On the other hand, life may not allow your goals to come to fruition, in either good or bad ways. Sometimes, you will find a position that sounds perfect for you, but it is not at the exact company that you were hoping for. Other times, you cannot seem to find a position that will pay someone with your level of experience as much as you might want. In any event, be ready to adjust your expectations in order to find more open positions and become more hirable. This may be especially true for those considering a career change.
How long will it take to see the results of my job search planning?
Another excellent tip for your job search documentation is to be patient. Unfortunately, job searches can take one day, a few months or any period of time in between. Because of their unpredictability, job searches can sometimes feel never-ending and hopeless. However, the crucial aspect of finding a new job is being versatile. If the way that you are looking for a job is seemingly not working, then it may be time to find a different search method or to expand your search criteria. It can be a difficult decision to make in doing so, especially if you are moving from one job to another or making a big career change. However, with the right motivation and persistence, finding job interview and other opportunities is entirely doable by anyone.
By Admin –
